South Africa to tour Pakistan in January-February 2021 in 14 years to play 2 Tests and 3 T20Is

South Africa on Wednesday confirmed they will be touring Pakistan for 2 Test matches and 3 T20Is in January-February 2021. It will be a historic occasion as the Proteas will visit the Asian country for the first time in 14 years as Pakistan takes another step towards returning to normalcy when it comes to hosting top teams.

The Test series will get underway on January 26 in Karachi while the 2nd Test will be played in Rawalpindi from February 4. The T20I series will be played in Karachi from February 11 to 14. South Africa will arrive in Pakistan on January 16 and undergo a quarantine before gearing up for the Test series.

Pakistan have an exciting year to look forward to as they will also host England, New Zealand and and West Indies in 2021. Notably, South Africa are only the 3rd Test-playing nation after Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to visit Pakistan since the 2009 attack on a Sri Lankan team bus.

Cricket South Africa Director of Cricket and former captain, Graeme Smith said the



reports from South Africa's security contingent which travelled to Pakistan last month gave them confidence to go ahead with the tour.

"It's pleasing to see so many countries making a return to Pakistan - a proud, cricket-loving nation. Cricket South Africa is delighted to be counted among them," Smith said.

"As someone who has toured the country on more than one occasion back in my playing days, I know how much passion the people of Pakistan have for the game as well as the love and support that the Proteas enjoy there as a team.

"I would like to thank the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the hospitality and transparency they showed our security contingent when they travelled over there a few weeks ago.

"The report on their findings and recommendations gives us confidence as an organization that all of our team's security, playing and accommodation needs will be met and that the wellbeing of the team will be the top priority. We look forward to embarking on this historical tour."